French petrochemicals producer Total (Paris; www.total.com/en) and RPC Promens Consumer Corby, part of RPC (Rushden / UK; www.rpc-group.com), have launched a multilayer PP/EVOH/PP jar using injection stretch blow moulding (ISBM) technology, which offers improved transparency and gloss for high barrier food applications.

In production, RPC Promens used a metallocene-based PP from Total that was developed for ISBM technology. The companies said the technology offers opportunities in the retail sector, in particular in markets such as cook-in sauces, instant coffee, ready meals, fruits and baby foods. Additionally, the lighter weight of the jars will help retailers and brand owners meet sustainability targets in packaging and carbon emissions.

The multilayer containers maintain their oxygen barrier for long ambient shelf life, while delivering high clarity. The jars are thermally stable to temperatures in excess of 100°C for pasteurisation and sterilisation. A number of popular retail jar sizes are being developed with additional sizes planned for the future. Caps, also supplied by RPC, are manufactured in PP leading to a mono material pack, for efficient recycling.